Business Manager - Agriculture

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Mō te Pakihi | About the Company

The Bioeconomy Science Institute brings together over 2,000 scientists, researchers and specialists working across New Zealand's food, fibre, forestry and environmental sectors. Our purpose is to power a thriving bioeconomy through world-leading science, innovation and collaboration.

Working alongside industry, communities and partners, we turn research into practical solutions that support sustainable growth, environmental resilience and positive outcomes for Aotearoa New Zealand.

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Kōrero mō te tūranga | About the role

We're looking for a commercially minded relationship builder to join our Commercial Group as Business Manager – Private Sector Agriculture.

You'll be the key connection between our science teams and New Zealand's pastoral agriculture sector – building trusted partnerships, identifying opportunities, and helping turn great science into practical solutions that create value for farmers, industry and New Zealand.

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Ngā whāinga matua | What you will be doing

In this role, you will –

• • Build and grow relationships with private sector agricultural customers and industry stakeholders.
  • Identify and secure new commercial research opportunities.
  • Translate customer challenges and opportunities into science-led solutions.
  • Lead customer engagement, proposal development and contract negotiations.
  • Work alongside scientists and research teams to deliver successful outcomes.
  • Represent the Institute across industry networks, forums and events.
  • Contribute to the growth and success of our Commercial Group.

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Ō Pūkenga me Ō Wheako | What You'll Bring

You will be a strong relationship-builder with commercial acumen, sector credibility and a passion for agriculture.

Ideally, you'll have –

• • Experience in business development, account management, commercial management or sales.
  • Strong knowledge of New Zealand's pastoral farming sector.
  • A proven track record of building customer relationships and growing revenue.
  • Experience working with technical, scientific or innovation-based products or services.
  • Excellent communication, influencing and negotiation skills.
  • The ability to translate complex information into practical customer solutions.
  • Strong organisational skills and the ability to manage multiple priorities.
  • A tertiary qualification in agriculture, science, business or a related field.
  • Existing networks within the agricultural sector would be an advantage.
  • An understanding of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and its application in a research environment.

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Ngā Hua o te Tūranga | Why Join Us

This is an opportunity to work at the intersection of science, innovation and agriculture, helping deliver solutions that make a real difference.

You'll have the chance to –

• • Work alongside some of New Zealand's leading scientists.
  • Build meaningful relationships across the agricultural sector.
  • Contribute to innovative solutions that support a thriving bioeconomy.
  • Influence research programmes that deliver real-world impact.
  • Join a collaborative organisation with a strong sense of purpose.

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Tono Mai | Apply Now

If you're excited by the opportunity to connect science and industry and help shape the future of New Zealand agriculture, we'd love to hear from you.

Please apply via our careers page and include a short cover letter outlining your interest in the role and what you'll bring to the team.

To view the position description, please click here

If you have any questions, please contact Alex McGrath, Sector Manager - Agriculture. 

Email Alex.McGrath@agresearch.co.nz

Phone:  +64 27 663 8628

Applications close: Wednesday, 22 July 2026 at 5pm